title: Evolution equation for a disclination line located between the uniaxial and isotropic phases of a nematic liquid crystal.
abstract: We derive a supplemental evolution equation for a disclination line located on an interface between the uniaxial and isotropic phases of a nematic liquid crystal. This equation provides an additional kinetic relation accounting for the motion of an interfacial disclination line. In our treatment of the problem we neglect fluid motion. Our approach is based on the notion of configurational forces. To illustrate the role of our additional evolution equation, we consider two simple examples. We also identify an expression for the configurational force exerted by the uniaxial phase at the defect located on the phase interface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 157 Hammond Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Oleg E
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Shklyaev
authors.forename: Amy Q
authors.initials: AQ
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Eliot
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fried